Colorado River

When deciding where to fish in Summit County, anglers must consider the mighty Colorado River where ideal conditions make this a productive river before it turns into the torrent that carved the Grand Canyon.

Colorado River is best left to whitewater rafters in April through June.

Access the river around Sunset, Breeze or Parshall.

Nymphing is the key to lots of bites.

Try Rapalas in brown trout if tossing lures.

Rainbows and browns common, some can get big.

Fishing best from July through winter.

Summit County'sColorado River

The Colorado River serves up great fishing in and around Summit County. Action near the town of Parshall can be superb as the Colorado bends and swings. The river averages 15 to 30 yards here.

Accessing the Colorado

The Williams Fork adds to the Colorado near the town of Parshall. Anglers will find great wade access in the Colorado's Byers Canyon and Kremmling areas. This meadow/tree-lined river can also be access at popular areas including Paul Gilbert, Sunset Ranch and the Breeze Unit.

Seasons To Fish

Runoff is a major facor on the Colorado. Spring sees flows well into the 2,000 to 4,000 cfs. range, while the months of July through November can be great with flows in the 900 cfs range. Both rainbows and browns will entertain you should you wet a line.

Facts To Consider

Terrestrials, streamers and a wide assortment of nymphs and midges are tops in the area. Umpqua's assortment of beadhead midges and basics like pheasant tails or copper Johns will turn heads here.